Who is eligible for Social Security disability benefits?

Eligibility for Social Security disability benefits is determined primarily by an individual's work history and their ability to continue working due to a qualifying disability. Workers who have paid into the Social Security system through FICA taxes and have accumulated enough work credits are eligible to apply for benefits if they become disabled and unable to perform substantial gainful activity.

The critical aspect of this eligibility is the requirement of having a qualifying disability, which must be a severe impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This specification highlights how the program is designed to support those who have contributed to the tax system and need assistance due to their inability to maintain employment—making this option the correct answer.

Individuals over age 65 do not qualify based solely on their age—the Social Security retirement program provides benefits for this age group, but it doesn’t relate to disability qualifications. Unemployed individuals seeking work are not eligible unless they have a disability that qualifies under the Social Security Administration's guidelines and have a sufficient work history. Lastly, students enrolled in higher education are generally not eligible for these benefits unless they are also able to meet the criteria regarding work history and disability.